It's easy to do online, or visit the Office of Finance to complete your application in person. The State of California requires businesses that sell goods and products to obtain a California Sales Tax Certificate Number (also called a Seller's Permit).
You must obtain a business license from Alameda County only if you are conducting any type of business, including leasing residential and commercial property, or your business is based in an unincorporated area of Alameda County. DO NOT APPLY TO ALAMEDA COUNTY IF YOU OPERATE A BUSINESS WITHIN CITY LIMITS.
An LLC lets you take advantage of the benefits of both the corporation and partnership business structures. LLCs protect you from personal liability in most instances, your personal assets — like your vehicle, house, and savings accounts — won't be at risk in case your LLC faces bankruptcy or lawsuits.
You must obtain a business license from Alameda County only if you are conducting any type of business, including leasing residential and commercial property, or your business is based in an unincorporated area of Alameda County.
The state of California doesn't require a business license to operate. But your city or county might. Depending on the goods or services you sell, you might also need a professional or occupational license.
As long as your business location and all business activity are conducted outside the City, there is no need to obtain a business license. If you are conducting business from your residence, or your residence is your business location, you will need to obtain and maintain a business license.
New Business License Web Portal Announcement Please visit to apply for or renew your business license. For business license assistance, please contact HdL at (510) 250-1889 or Alameda@HdLGov. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call us at (510) 747-4851.
State business license requirements California doesn't require that you obtain a business license at the state level. However, nearly every municipality mandates that you obtain a local business license to legally operate in that city.
For County assistance, please call 510.208. 9770 for a menu of County Agencies and Departments. You can also look up telephone numbers in the County Telephone Directory.